Housing and cartomiser for an aerosol provision system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol provision system. The housing comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, wherein the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components which are contained in the housing, is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material. Also disclosed is a cartomiser comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material and wherein the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks at about 40° C. is between 0 and about 20%.

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No.PCT/GB2020/050971, filed Apr. 17, 2020 which claims priority from GBPatent Application No. 1905539.1 filed Apr. 18, 2019, each of which ishereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol provisionsystem. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a cartomizercomprising the housing, a cartomizer for an aerosol provision system,and an aerosol provision system comprising the housing.

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems or devices such as electroniccigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a cartomizer with areservoir for an aerosolizable material, from which vapor or aerosol isgenerated for inhalation by a user, for example through heatvaporization. Generally nicotine and often flavorants or flavor agentsare present in the aerosolizable material of the reservoir, and thevapor or aerosol generating element is either downstream of thereservoir or integrated therein so as to vaporize a portion of theaerosolizable material. Cartomizers where the reservoir is notrefillable with aerosolizable material are often referred to in the artas “closed” systems, whereas cartomizers which facilitate refilling ofthe aerosolizable material are generally referred to as “open” systems.

In an open or closed system, the vapor or aerosol generating element istypically located downstream of the reservoir, e.g. in an aerosolgeneration chamber, so that as a user inhales on the system andelectrical power is supplied to e.g. the heater, air is drawn into thesystem through inlet holes and mixes with the vaporized material in theaerosol generation chamber. There is then a flow path connecting theaerosol generation chamber and an opening in the mouthpiece of thedevice, so that incoming air drawn through the aerosol generationchamber continues along the flow path, carrying at least some of theaerosol with it and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation bythe user. The term “downstream” is thus understood to mean in thedirection of aerosol flow, from the reservoir containing theaerosolizable material, via the aerosol generation chamber, to themouthpiece of the aerosol provision system where aerosol is inhaled bythe user.

In open systems, the aerosol generating element is generally intended tobe replaceable, in that a user can access the aerosol generating elementand replace it when appropriate. In a closed system, the vapor oraerosol generating element is generally not intended for replacement andcan be integrated with the reservoir to form a single unit along withthe aerosolizable material and an aerosol generation chamber. As a userinhales on the system and electrical power is supplied to the element,air is drawn into the system and mixes with the vaporized material inthe aerosol generation chamber. There is then a flow path connecting theintegrated system with an opening in a mouthpiece of the device so thatgenerated aerosol or vapor can be inhaled by the user.

Aerosolizable material may also be referred to in the art as aerosol orvapor precursor material, and typically includes a solvent along withacids, bases and/or salts such that the material is electricallyconductive.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided ahousing for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for anelectrically conductive aerosolizable material, wherein the potentialdifference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one ormore metal component which is contained in the housing is from 0 mV toabout 35 mV. The two surfaces are further defined as capable ofsimultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizable material.

The one or more metal component may be part of an aerosol generatingelement, and the aerosol generating element may be integrated with thereservoir. Alternatively the aerosol generating element may bedownstream of the reservoir. The electrically conductive aerosolizablematerial may be a liquid, and may further contain nicotine or a saltthereof.

Of the metal components contained in the housing, at least one may be aplated metal and the exposable surface of said component may be themetal which is plated. For instance, the component may be gold-platedsuch that the exposable surface is the metal which is plated with gold,e.g. brass. The metal components contained in the housing may also beidentical in the sense that they are composed of a single metal. Thismetal may be selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainlesssteel, titanium and aluminum. Alternatively the metal components may beidentical in the sense that they are composed of the same metals, e.g.an alloy or a plated-alloy. For example, the metal components containedin the housing may include nickel plated with gold or may be composedsolely of nickel. The potential difference between the exposed and/orexposable surfaces of the one or more metal components may be from 0 mVto about 20 mV.

Also provided is a cartomizer comprising the housing described herein,wherein the cartomizer is a closed or open system, i.e. non-fillable orrefillable with aerosolizable material.

In addition there is provided a cartomizer for an aerosol provisionsystem comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductiveaerosolizable material and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of oneor more metal components which are capable of simultaneously being incontact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable material, andwherein the change in dissolved metal content of the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer forabout 1 to about 8 weeks, e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days, at 40° C. isbetween 0 and about 20%.

Also provided is an aerosol provision system comprising the housingdescribed herein or one of the cartomizers described herein.

Finally there is provided the use of one or more metal components in anaerosol provision system to reduce galvanic corrosion, wherein the oneor more metal components have two surfaces which are simultaneouslyexposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductive aerosolizablematerial in the aerosol provision system, and said surfaces have apotential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

In the described use the potential difference of the exposed and/orexposable surfaces may be from 0 mV to about 20 mV. Further, theelectrically conductive aerosolizable material may be a liquid and/ormay comprise nicotine or a salt thereof.

These embodiments are set out in the appended independent and dependentclaims. It will be appreciated that features of the dependent claims maybe combined with each other and with features of the independent claimsin combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.Furthermore the approaches described herein are not restricted tospecific embodiments such as those set out below, but include andcontemplate any appropriate combinations of features presented herein.For example, the housing, the cartomizer comprising the housing, thecartomizer defined by the dissolved metal content in the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material after storage, the aerosol provisionsystem comprising the housing or the cartomizer, and the use describedherein may be provided in accordance with approaches described hereinwhich includes any one or more of the various features described belowas appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a highly schematic drawing of an aerosol generating element inaccordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. As is discussed inmore detail below, FIG. 1 shows a substrate 1 with a heating surface 4and two electrical contacts, e.g. wires 2 each independently connectedto an electrical connector 3.

FIGS. 2 to 5 are graphs plotted from the ICP-MS values obtained inExample 3 for dissolved nickel, copper, zinc and gold content followinguse of each of the heating elements analyzed in this example, alongsidethe liquid control. These figures are discussed in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussedand described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples andembodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are notdiscussed or described in detail in the interests of brevity. It willthus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methodsdiscussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented inaccordance with any conventional techniques for implementing suchaspects and features.

As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a housing for anaerosol provision system in which any two exposed and/or exposablesurfaces of one or more metal components thereof have a potentialdifference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV, the two surfaces being capableof simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizable material. Alsoprovided is a cartomizer or aerosol provision system comprising thehousing, along with a cartomizer which after storage for about 1 toabout 8 weeks at 40° C. exhibits a change in dissolved metal content inthe electrically conductive aerosolizable material between 0% and about20%.

In arriving at the present disclosure, the inventors observeddiscoloration at the bottom of the cartomizer, followed by discolorationin the e-liquid and on the aerosol generating element (the heater) afteruse. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believed thatthe combination of the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectorsand nickel contact in the heater was forming a galvanic cell when bothmetal components were in contact with the conductive e-liquid. Thegalvanic cell was then causing corrosion of the metal components,potentially releasing metal ions into solution and thereby leading tothe observed discoloration.

Following further experiments which are set out in detail in theExamples, the discoloration was confirmed as comprising propyleneglycol, vegetable glycerin and at least the following metals: gold,nickel, copper and zinc. Comparing a discolored sample with a controlsample specifically identified an increase in at least the dissolvedcopper, nickel and zinc content of the e-liquid.

As is known in the art, the basis for a galvanic cell is always a redoxreaction which includes two half-reactions: oxidation at an anode andreduction at a cathode. Electricity is generated due to an electricpotential difference between two electrodes which is created as a resultof the difference between individual potentials of the two metalelectrodes with respect to the electrolyte. In other words, it is themeasure of reducing power of any element or compound. More specifically,a galvanic cell involves a spontaneous redox reaction because the Gibbsfree energy is negative in accordance with the following equation:

ΔG _(cell) ^(o) =−nFE _(cell) ^(o)

where n is the number of moles of electrons per mole of products and Fis the Faraday constant, approximately 96485 C/mol. With a negativeGibbs free energy, a spontaneous redox reaction drives the cell toproduce an electric potential. It follows that for a galvanic cell,E_(cell) ^(o) must be >0 where E_(cell) ^(o)=E_(cathode) ^(o)−E_(anode)^(o) and E_(anode) ^(o) is the standard potential at the anode andE_(cathode) ^(o) is the standard potential at the cathode. Standardelectrode potentials are known in the art.

For example, the standard electrode potential of zinc is −0.76 V. Thuszinc will be oxidized by any electrode whose standard electrodepotential is greater than −0.76 V, e.g. copper (0.34 V) and reduced byany electrode whose standard electrode potential is less than −0.76 V,e.g. sodium (−2.71 V).

To identify the possible source of the galvanic cell, the potentialdifference between each of the metal components in the heating elementwas measured. The results were 101 mV±10 mV for the nickel contact andgold/nickel plated brass electrical connector; 8 mV±10 mV for the twonickel heater wires; 2 mV±10 mV for the two gold/nickel plated brasselectrical connectors; and 25 mV±10 mV for the two combinations ofnickel contact with gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector. Inview of these results, it was hypothesized that a galvanic cell wasarising at least between the nickel contact and the gold/nickel platedbrass electrical connector when both in contact with the e-liquid, i.e.the two metal surfaces having the highest potential difference.

The present disclosure provides a solution to this galvanic corrosionproblem by incorporating the same or similar metals into the housing, a“similar” metal being understood as having a potential difference offrom 0 mV to about 35 mV. In particular the defined potential differenceis between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or moremetal component of the housing, the surfaces being capable ofsimultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizable material.Advantageously the present disclosure is thus able to reduce the levelof metal found in the aerosolizable material and/or aerosol and therebyimprove user experience and consistency of aerosol delivery.

For ease of reference, these and further features of the presentdisclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings.However, the teachings under each section are not limited to the sectionin which they are found.

Housing

The present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol provisionsystem comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductiveaerosolizable material. The housing may be formed of a plastics materialand as well as supporting other components, the housing may provide amechanical interface when incorporated into a cartomizer so that thecartomizer can be connected to a control unit of an aerosol provisionsystem as required. The manner by which the housing interfaces with thecontrol unit is not significant for the present disclosure. It may, forexample, comprise a screw thread fitting or any other attachment orconnection means known to the person skilled in the art. The shape ofthe housing is also not limited and may be any shape known in the art.

The reservoir for the electrically conductive aerosolizable material maybe contained in an aerosol generation chamber or may be in fluidcommunication with such a chamber. By the term “fluid communication” ismeant that the aerosolizable material contained in the reservoir is ableto flow or move easily from the reservoir towards or in the direction ofthe aerosol generation chamber. When the reservoir is contained in anaerosol generation chamber, the reservoir may comprise the majority ofthe interior volume of the aerosol generation chamber. The reservoir maygenerally conform to the interior of the aerosol generation chamber.

In some examples, at least an outer wall of the reservoir may beintegrally molded with the aerosol generation chamber. In otherexamples, the reservoir may be a component which is formed separatelyfrom, but supported in position by, the aerosol generation chamber. Inexamples, the reservoir may have a tapered circular cross-section buthave a flat face running longitudinally along one side to create a spacebetween an outer wall of the reservoir and an inner wall of the aerosolgeneration chamber to define a flow path through the cartomizer throughwhich aerosol generated in the cartomizer is drawn during use towards anopening or outlet in the end of the cartomizer. In other examples, thereservoir may have an annular shape, with the outer annular surfacedefined by the aerosol generation chamber, and the inner annular surfacedefining a flow path. It will be appreciated that there are manyconfigurations which allow for the provision of a liquid reservoiralongside a flow path within the cartomizer.

The reservoir may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques,for example comprising a molded plastics material, machined plasticcomponents, cast plastic components, machined metal components, cast ordrawn metal components, metal components that are formed andsubsequently plated with other metal materials, or mixtures thereof.

Electrically Conductive Aerosolizable Material

Any reference herein to an “aerosolizable material” is to anelectrically conductive aerosolizable material. The term “aerosolizablematerial” may be used interchangeably with the terms “aerosol generatingmaterial”, “vapor generating material”, “aerosol precursor material”and/or “vapor precursor material”. By the term “aerosolizable material”is meant a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example,when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. As appropriate,the aerosolizable material may comprise one or more active agents, oneor more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one ormore other functional materials.

Aerosolizable materials may, for example, be in the form of a solid,liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavorants.

By the term “electrically conductive” is meant that the aerosolizablematerial is able to transport an electric charge. As mentioned above,the electrical conductivity of the aerosolizable material may arise fromthe presence of acids, bases and/or salts. In various embodiments, theelectrical conductivity of the aerosolizable material may arise from thepresence of salts or other ionic compounds. In various embodiments ofthe present disclosure, the aerosolizable material is therefore anelectrolyte because of these ionic compounds and/or salts. The skilledperson in the art is aware of suitable techniques to determineelectrical conductivity or ionic content of an aerosolizable material,and is also able to provide a suitably electrically conductiveaerosolizable material.

Aerosolizable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid,liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active agent and/orflavorants. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, theelectrically conductive aerosolizable material is a liquid. In otherembodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material maycomprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to asa “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, theamorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solidmaterial that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In someembodiments, the aerosolizable material may for example comprise fromabout 50 wt %, 60 wt %, 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizablematerial comprises a vapor- or aerosol-generating agent; otherwisereferred to as an aerosol-former material. The aerosol-former materialmay comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.Examples of such agents/constituents are glycerine/glycerol, propyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol,1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyllaurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetinmixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, laurylacetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate, and mixturesthereof.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one ormore of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol,meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate,triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid,and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more ofpH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers,stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The aerosolizable material may be present on or in a support, to form asubstrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card,paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, aceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metalalloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In someembodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In somealternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of thematerial.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varyingmagnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor maybe an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof witha varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heatingmaterial. The heating material may be magnetic material, so thatpenetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetichysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be bothelectrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatableby both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generatethe varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator,herein.

The aerosolizable material may also include at least one “flavor”,“flavoring agent” or “flavorant”. The terms “flavor”, “flavoring agent”and “flavorant” are used interchangeably to refer to materials which,where local regulations permit, are added to a material to create adesired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product foradult consumers. Reference here to “flavor”, “flavoring agent” or“flavorant” include both singular and multi-component flavors. They mayinclude naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts ofbotanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof(e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol,Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple,matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric,Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, redberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime,tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber,blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey,gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom,celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat,naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemonoil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway,cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger,coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genusMentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgobiloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such asgreen tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves,cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteakplant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace,damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena,tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitternessreceptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators orstimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose,acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose,sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additivessuch as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breathfreshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or naturalingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, forexample, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

The flavor, flavoring agent or flavorant may be selected from the groupconsisting of extracts, for example liquorice, hydrangea, Japanese whitebark magnolia leaf, tobacco, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol,Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry,peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint,lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot,geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil,cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento,ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, flavor enhancers, bitterness receptorsite blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugarsand/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium,aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose,sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal,chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They maybe imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. Theymay be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/orpeppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor componentsof cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In someembodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, theflavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In someembodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted fromcannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which isintended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usuallychemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranialnerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or tastenerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling,tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but isnot limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent maybe, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

The aerosolizable material may also comprise other components. Suchother components may be conventional in the sense that they aretypically included in aerosolizable materials for e-cigarettes. Invarious embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizablematerial further comprises an active agent. By the term “active agent”is meant any agent which has a biological or physiological effect on asubject when the vapor containing the active is inhaled. The active maybe a physiologically active material, which is a material intended toachieve or enhance a physiological response. The active may, forexample, be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics or psychoactives.The one or more active agents may be selected from nicotine, botanicals,salts thereof and mixtures thereof. The one or more active agents orsalts thereof may be of synthetic or natural origin. The active or saltthereof could be an extract from a botanical, such as from a plant inthe tobacco family. An example active is nicotine.

In some embodiments the active agent may be selected from nicotine,caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin,cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives (e.g. salts) or combinationsthereof. The active agent may comprise one or more constituents,derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.Constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis may include one ormore cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active agent may comprise or be derived from one ormore botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. Asused herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived fromplants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers,stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturallyexisting in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be inthe form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles,granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Examplebotanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis,fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax,ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice),matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea orblack tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bayleaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary,saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla,wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro,bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace,damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena,tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca,ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combinationthereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties:Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Menthapiperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa,Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata,Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from oneor more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof andthe botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived from one ormore botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and thebotanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived from one ormore botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and thebotanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine and/or a saltthereof. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine,melatonin or vitamin B12.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizablematerial comprises nicotine and/or a salt thereof. Nicotine may beprovided in any suitable amount depending on the desired dosage wheninhaled by the user. Depending on the other components of theaerosolizable material, nicotine may be in a salt form in theaerosolizable material. If, for example, an acid is added (e.g. anorganic acid) then nicotine will typically be protonated leaving theresidual anion of the acid in solution. Consequently, it may be thepresence of nicotine salts which give rise to the electricalconductivity properties of the aerosolizable material. The invention isnot, however, limited to an aerosolizable material comprising nicotineand/or a salt thereof and the skilled person will be aware of othercomponents (e.g. other actives or aerosol-generating agents) whichresult in an electrically conductive aerosolizable material because ofthe formation of ionic compounds and/or salts.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, nicotine is present inthe aerosolizable material in an amount of no greater than about 6 wt %based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. By theexpression “total weight of the aerosolizable material” is meant thetotal weight of the aerosolizable material in which the nicotine ispresent.

In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about0.4 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizablematerial. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount offrom about 0.8 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of theaerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in anamount of from about 1 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of theaerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present inan amount of from about 1.8 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight ofthe aerosolizable material.

In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of no greater thanabout 3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. Invarious embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4to about 3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material.In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about0.8 to about 3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizablematerial. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount offrom about 1 to about 3 wt % based on the total weight of theaerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in anamount of from about 1.8 to about 3 wt % based on the total weight ofthe aerosolizable material.

In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of less than about1.9 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. Invarious embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of less than about1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. Invarious embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4to less than about 1.9 wt % based on the total weight of theaerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in anamount of from about 0.4 to less than about 1.8 wt % based on the totalweight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine ispresent in an amount of from about 0.5 to less than about 1.9 wt % basedon the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In variousembodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to lessthan about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizablematerial. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount offrom about 0.8 to less than about 1.9 wt % based on the total weight ofthe aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is presentin an amount of from about 0.8 to less than about 1.8 wt % based on thetotal weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodimentsnicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to less than about 1.9wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In variousembodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to lessthan about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizablematerial.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizablematerial may contain one or acids. The aerosolizable material may, forexample, contain one or more acids in addition to nicotine (as theactive agent). The one or more acids may be one or more organic acids,e.g. one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting ofbenzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid,citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixturesthereof. As noted above, when included in the aerosolizable material incombination with nicotine, the one or more acids may provide aformulation in which the nicotine is at least partially in protonated(such as monoprotonated and/or diprotonated) form.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizablematerial comprises nicotine or another active, optionally a flavorant orflavor agent, and one or more acids. In various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the aerosolizable material comprises nicotine in oneof the above described amounts, optionally a flavorant or flavor agent,and one or more acids selected from the group consisting of benzoicacid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citricacid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. Invarious embodiments, the flavorant or flavor agent is present in theaerosolizable material and is defined as above.

Potential Difference

In the present disclosure, the potential difference between any twoexposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal componentscontained in the housing is limited to being from 0 mV to about 35 mV;the two surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact withthe aerosolizable material.

By the term “potential difference” is meant the difference of electricalpotential between two points. As is known in the art, a potentialdifference is measured with a voltmeter under atmospheric pressure andat room temperature in a suitable electrolyte. In the presentdisclosure, the potential difference is measured under atmosphericpressure and room temperature (approximately 20° C.) in theaerosolizable material to be used with the housing in the aerosolprovision system.

Whether a particular combination of metals is going to give rise to apotential difference within the present disclosure can also be estimatedbased on the galvanic or electropotential series. This series ranksmetals (and other materials) in order of standard electrode potential,and an extract from this series is shown in the following table:

TABLE 1 Approximate Electrode Potential from Extract from Series RanksMetals Approximate Electrode Metal/Other Reaction Potential (V) GoldAu⁺ + e⁻ = Au 1.692 Gold Au³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Au 1.498 Platinum Pt²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Pt1.18 Palladium Pd²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Pd 0.951 Copper Cu⁺ + e⁻ = Cu 0.521 CopperCu²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Cu 0.3419 Iron Fe³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Fe −0.037 Lead Pb²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Pb−0.1262 Tin Sn²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Sn −0.1375 Nickel Ni²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Ni −0.257 CobaltCo²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Co −0.28 Cadmium Cd²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Cd −0.403 Iron Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻ =Fe −0.447 Chromium Cr³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Cr −0.744 Zinc Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Zn −0.7618Chromium Cr²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Cr −0.913 Manganese Mn²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Mn −1.185Titanium Ti³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Ti −1.37 Titanium Ti²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Ti −1.63 AluminumAl³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Al −1.662 Magnesium Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Mg −2.372 Magnesium Mg⁺ +e⁻ = Mg −2.7 Sodium Na⁺ + e⁻ = Na −2.71 Calcium Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻ = Ca −2.868Potassium K⁺ + e⁻ = K −2.931 Lithium Li³⁺ + 3e⁻ = Li −3.0401 CalciumCa⁺ + e⁻ = Ca −3.8

A nickel surface and a cobalt surface in contact with an electricallyconductive aerosolizable material will, for example, have a potentialdifference of approximately 0.023 V or 23.0 mV. In contrast, a nickelsurface and a gold surface will have a potential difference of at leastapproximately 1.755 V.

The potential difference which is the subject of the present disclosureis between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or moremetal components contained in the housing, where the surfaces arecapable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizablematerial. By the term “exposed” is meant a surface which is not coveredor hidden, i.e. the surface is visible in the housing. By the term“exposable” is meant a surface which is hidden or covered, e.g. byplating, but can be uncovered or made visible during use of the housingin an aerosol provision system. For example, a component made from aplated metal will have an exposed surface—the plating—and an exposablesurface—the metal underneath the plating. During use of the housing inan aerosol provision system, the metal underneath the plating may becomeexposed as the plating degrades.

By the expression “capable of simultaneously being in contact with theaerosolizable material” is meant that the aerosolizable material is ableto form a contact junction between the exposed and/or exposable surfacesof the one or more metal components such that the surfaces are inelectrical contact and electric charge can flow between the surfaces.The location of the one or more metal components in the housing is nottherefore limited; the metal components must be separate from oneanother but in electrical contact.

The contact junction may, for example, be formed by the aerosolizablematerial in the reservoir, in an aerosol generating element integratedwith the reservoir, in an aerosol generating element which is separatefrom the reservoir, or downstream of the reservoir and/or aerosolgenerating element if the aerosol formed from the aerosolizable materialforms deposits on two suitable surfaces in the flow path to themouthpiece of the device. The contact junction formed by theaerosolizable material and two exposed/exposable surfaces of one or moremetal components in the present disclosure does not, however, form agalvanic cell because the potential difference between the surfaces isfrom 0 mV to about 35 mV.

For example, both the exposed and/or exposable surface of a first metalcomponent may have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mVwith respect to any other exposed and/or exposable surface of a secondmetal component contained in the housing which is capable of being incontact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable material at thesame time as said first exposed and/or exposable surface. In thismanner, the housing avoids metal degradation.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact junctionformed by the aerosolizable material and two exposed and/or exposablesurfaces is in an aerosol generating element which is integrated withthe reservoir. In such embodiments, the exposed and/or exposable surfaceof a first metal component of the aerosol generating element has apotential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV with respect to anyother exposed and/or exposable surface of a second metal component ofthe aerosol generating element. Provided of course that the surfaces arecapable of being in contact with the electrically conductiveaerosolizable material at the same time.

The potential difference between the surfaces is from 0 mV to about 35mV. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the potentialdifference is from 0 mV to about 30 mV. In various embodiments, thepotential difference is from 0 mV to about 25 mV. In variousembodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 20 mV. Invarious embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 18mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV toabout 15 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0mV to about 12 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference isfrom 0 mV to about 10 mV.

In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about10 mV.

Aerosol Generating Element

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metalcomponents having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are part of anaerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element is able toproduce aerosol from the aerosolizable material by any suitable means,e.g. heat, irradiation or any other method of energizing a material toform vapor or aerosol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating element is a heaterconfigured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, soas to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating materialto form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator/aerosolgenerating element is configured to cause an aerosol to be generatedfrom the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, theaerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generatingmaterial to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, orelectrostatic energy.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metalcomponents are part of an aerosol generating element which comprises awick and a heater. Other known arrangements may of course be used. Thewick and heater are arranged in a space within the housing, e.g. in anaerosol generation chamber, such that the wick extends transverselyacross the chamber with its ends extending into the reservoir ofaerosolizable material, through openings in the inner wall of thereservoir. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir may be sizedto broadly match the dimensions of the wick and thereby provide areasonable seal against leakage from the reservoir into the flow pathwhilst avoiding unduly compressing the wick, which may be detrimental toits fluid transfer performance. Aerosolizable material, e.g. liquid, mayinfiltrate the wick through surface tension or capillary action. Theheater then comprises the one or more metal components with two exposedand/or exposable surfaces which are capable of simultaneously being incontact with the aerosolizable material, as described herein.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metalcomponents are part of an aerosol generating element as shown in FIG. 1.The aerosol generating element shown in FIG. 1 may be located in thereservoir of the housing or as a separate component to the reservoir.When located in the reservoir, the aerosol generating element may beintegrated therewith and be located in an aerosol generation chamber asdescribed above, such that the reservoir and aerosol generation chamberare formed as a single molded component. The aerosol generating elementof FIG. 1 comprises a porous, wick substrate 1, e.g., a ceramic disc, sothat the aerosolizable material within the reservoir may seep throughthe disc to a heating substrate 4 for vaporization. Attached to thesubstrate 1 are contacts 2 connected to electrical connectors, e.g.electrode pins 3.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the one or more metal componentswhich have two exposed and/or exposable surfaces capable ofsimultaneously contacting the aerosolizable material may be the contacts2, the electrode pins or electrical connectors 3, the heating substrate4 and/or a combination thereof. The contacts 2 may have exposedsurfaces, the electrical connectors 3 may have exposed and exposablesurfaces, being made of a plated metal, and/or the heating substrate mayinclude an exposed or exposable surface. Alternatively, the contacts 2may have an exposed surface(s), the electrical connectors 3 may have anexposed surface(s) and/or the heating substrate 4 may have an exposedsurface(s). The skilled person will be aware of suitable techniques formaking an aerosol generating element as shown in FIG. 1. For example,the heating substrate could be applied to the surface of the wicksubstrate via known printing techniques for applying conductive inks tosurfaces etc.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contacts 2,electrical connectors 3 and/or heating substrate 4 have exposed and/orexposable surfaces which are capable of being in simultaneous contactwith the electrically conductive aerosolizable material and which have apotential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. This potentialdifference may be from 0 my to about 30 mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV,from 0 mV to about 20 mV, from 0 mV to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about15 mV, from 0 mV to about 12 mV or from 0 mV to about 10 mV.

In various embodiments, the contacts 2, connectors 3 and heatingsubstrate 4 comprise the same metal or metal alloy, e.g. nickel or anickel alloy. titanium or a titanium alloy, or stainless steel.Exemplary nickel alloys and titanium alloys will be known to the personskilled in the art; the nickel alloy may be NiCrFe or NiCr. In suchembodiments, the aerosol generating element is composed of a singleconductive material, i.e. a single metal or metal alloy.

Cartomizer

Also provided by the present disclosure is a cartomizer comprising thehousing as defined herein. As is known in the art, cartomizers may alsobe referred to as cartridges. Throughout the description herein, theterm “cartridge” may therefore be used interchangeably with“cartomizer”.

The cartomizer of the present disclosure may be a closed or open systemas defined herein. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, thecartomizer is a closed system such that the aerosol generating elementis integrated within the reservoir as already described herein. Theaerosol generating element may be as shown in FIG. 1 with the potentialdifference values between metal components having exposed or exposablesurfaces capable of being in simultaneous contact with the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material, as described above.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartomizercomprising the housing is a closed system with an aerosol generating influid contact with the reservoir, the one or more metal components withtwo exposed and/or exposable surfaces, being part of the aerosolgenerating element. In such embodiments, the two exposed and/orexposable surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact withthe electrically conductive aerosolizable material and have a potentialdifference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. This potential difference mayalso be from 0 mV to about 30 mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV, from 0 mV toabout 20 mV, from 0 mV to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about 15 mV, or from0 mV to about 10 mV.

Additionally the present disclosure provides a cartomizer for an aerosolprovision system comprising a reservoir containing an electricallyconductive aerosolizable material and two exposed and/or exposablesurfaces of one or more metal components, wherein the two surfaces arecapable of simultaneously being in contact with the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material. In such a cartomizer, the change indissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizablematerial after storage of the cartomizer for about 1 to about 8 weeks at40° C., e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days, is between 0 and about 20%.

The features overlapping with the above-described housing are definedaccording to the description already provided. For example, thereservoir, the electrically conductive aerosolizable material, the twoexposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, andthe simultaneous contact of these surfaces with the aerosolizablematerial. The cartomizer may also be a closed or open system. In variousembodiments, the cartomizer may be a closed system.

By the feature “change in dissolved metal content of the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer fromabout 1 to about 8 weeks at 40° C.” is meant that the level of dissolvedmetals measured in the electrically conductive aerosolizable material atthe point of filling the cartomizer (T=0) and on removal of thecartomizer from storage is no greater than about 20%. In other words,any change or increase is relative to the background or baseline levelof metals in the electrically conductive aerosolizable material (e.g.the e-liquid). Dissolved metal content is determined according tomethods known in the art. In particular, dissolved metal content isdetermined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).Metal content refers to all measurable metals in the e-liquid, forexample any metals that may be present due to the construction of theproduct including nickel, copper, zinc, gold, titanium, beryllium,silver, aluminum, manganese, lead, chromium, arsenic, molybdenum,cobalt, iron and/or tin.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change indissolved metal content is determined after storage of the cartomizerfor about 1 to about 6 weeks at 40° C. or about 1 to about 4 weeks, e.g.about 2 weeks or 14 days. In various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the change in dissolved metal content of the electricallyconductive aerosolizable material is further between 0 and about 15%. Inother embodiments the change in dissolved metal content is between 0 andabout 10% or between 0% and about 5%. In various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, there is substantially no change in dissolved metalcontent. By the expression “substantially no change” means less than 5%.As the person skilled in the art will appreciate, the change indissolved metal content is an indication that galvanic corrosion is nottaking place.

Aerosol Provision System

The present disclosure further provides an aerosol provision systemcomprising the housing as described herein or one of the cartomizers asdescribed herein.

As is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol”, and relatedterms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize”, may be usedinterchangeably. Aerosol provision systems/devices may therefore bereferred to herein as “vapor provision systems/devices”, “aerosoldelivery devices/systems”, “electronic vapor provision devices/systems”,“electronic aerosol provision devices/systems”, or“e-cigarettes/electronic cigarettes”. These terms may be usedinterchangeably and are intended to refer to combustible ornon-combustible aerosol provision systems/devices. In some embodimentsthe aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provisionsystem such as a heating device that releases compounds fromaerosolizable material(s) without burning or combusting theaerosolizable materials.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provisionsystem is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of theaerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burnedduring use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance toa user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustibleaerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the groupconsisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments,the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosolprovision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, atobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component suchas a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, atipping paper or a cigarette paper.

The non-combustible aerosol provision system is one where a constituentaerosol-generating material (aerosolizable material) of the aerosolprovision system (or component thereof) is not therefore combusted orburned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to auser, and this system can include electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettesthat create aerosol from aerosol precursor materials by heating or othertechniques such as vibration; and hybrid systems that provide aerosolvia a combination of aerosol precursor materials and solid substratematerials, for example hybrid systems containing liquid or gel precursormaterials and a solid substrate material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a non-combustibleaerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosolprovision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosolprovision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision devicethereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power sourcemay, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic powersource. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises acarbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in theform of heat to an aerosolizable material or to a heat transfer materialin proximity to the exothermic power source.

The aerosol provision system can comprise a cartomizer or housing of thepresent disclosure and generally a control unit. The control unit of theaerosol provision system may generally comprise an outer housing, anelectrical power source (e.g. a battery), control circuitry forcontrolling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol provisionsystem, a user input button, and optionally a mouthpiece (which may bedetachable). The battery may be rechargeable and be of a conventionaltype, for example of the kind typically used in electronic cigarettesand other applications requiring provision of relatively high currentsover a relatively short period. Similarly, a user input button (or otheraerosol generation function) and control circuitry may be conventional.The outer housing may be formed, for example, from a plastics ormetallic material. Other suitable materials are known in the art. Aswill be appreciated, the aerosol provision system will in generalcomprise various other elements associated with its operatingfunctionality. For example, a port for charging the battery, such as aUSB port or the like, and these other elements may be conventional.

When a user sucks/inhales on the aerosol provision system of the presentdisclosure, air should be drawn from the environment into the system andat least a portion of this air enters the housing or cartomizer.Typically, the incoming air flows past an aerosol generation component(e.g. heater) while the heater is receiving electrical power from thebattery in the control unit so as to generate aerosol from an aerosolprecursor material. The aerosolized material is thenincorporated/entrained into the airflow and drawn through and out of thecartomizer for inhalation by a user. The aerosol may be produced orreleased in various ways depending on the nature of the device, systemor product. These include heating to cause evaporation, heating torelease compounds, and vibration of a liquid or gel to create droplets.

During normal use, the control circuitry may be configured to monitorvarious operational aspects of the aerosol provision system. Forexample, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor a level ofpower remaining in the rechargeable battery, and this may be performedin accordance with conventional techniques. Additionally the controlcircuitry may be configured to estimate a remaining amount of aerosolprecursor material in the cartomizer, or substrate material in theconsumable, for example based on an accumulated time of usage since anew cartomizer or consumable was installed, or based on sensing thelevels in the cartomizer or consumable. This may be performed inaccordance with any conventional technique(s). It may, for example, bebased on sensing the number of puffs on the aerosol provision system inaccordance with any conventional technique(s).

If it is determined through monitoring the operational aspects of theaerosol provision system that a certain operating condition has arisen,for example, a cartomizer is approaching depletion, or a battery levelis falling below a predetermined threshold (which may be predefined oruser set), the aerosol provision system may be configured to provide auser notification according to any conventional technique(s). Althoughdescribed with reference to the control circuitry, other usernotifications are known in the art and may be implemented in the aerosolprovision system of the present disclosure. In addition, it will beappreciated that there are many other situations in which a usernotification might be desired, the present disclosure is not limited toproviding notification of low levels of liquid or substrate material orremaining battery power.

In one embodiment the aerosol provision system is an electronicnon-combustible aerosol provision system. In one embodiment, the aerosolprovision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapingdevice or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it isnoted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is nota requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is anaerosolizable material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burnsystem. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system (e.g. thenon-combustible aerosol provision system) is a hybrid system forproviding aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination ofaerosolizable materials. In some embodiments, the non-combustibleaerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using acombination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which maybe heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, inthe form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gelaerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solidaerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or anon-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise anon-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use withthe non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, thedisclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materialand configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provisiondevices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articlesthroughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system maycomprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, anaerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or anaerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustibleaerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, anaerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating materialtransfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, ahousing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifyingagent.

Reduction of Galvanic Corrosion

The present disclosure also provides the use of one or more metalcomponents in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic corrosion,wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces which aresimultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductiveaerosolizable material in the aerosol provision system, and saidsurfaces have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

The features overlapping with the above-described housing are definedaccording to the description already provided. For example, theelectrically conductive aerosolizable material, the two exposed and/orexposable surfaces of one or more metal components, the potentialdifference and the simultaneous contact of these surfaces with theaerosolizable material. In particular, the potential difference valuesdescribed above are equally applicable to the use of the presentdisclosure as to the housing and cartomizer. Additionally, the one ormore metal components in the use of the present disclosure may be partof an aerosol generating element according to the above description.

The term “galvanic corrosion” is known in the art and may also bereferred to as bimetallic corrosion. It is an electrochemical process inwhich one metal corrodes preferentially when it is in electrical contactwith another, in the presence of an electrolyte. The reduction ofgalvanic corrosion, as provided by the present disclosure, may bemeasured by determining the dissolved metal content in the aerosolizablematerial after use of the aerosol provision system and/or by determiningthe metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provisionsystem.

Measurement of metal content in the aerosolizable material may becarried out according to ICP-MS as noted above. Measurement of metalcontent in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system may becarried out according to any fully quantitative method using calibrationstandards that are appropriate to the expected values in the testliquids. Any increase in metal content of the aerosolizable materialrelative to the control value of the original aerosolizable materialindicates transfer of metal(s) and hence galvanic corrosion.

The present disclosure will now be exemplified with reference to thefollowing non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Observations were carried out on a set of cartomizers comprising aheating element having nickel contacts connected with gold/nickel-platedbrass electrical connectors. In cartomizers where leakage or seepage ofthe e-liquid from the reservoir onto the heater element of thecartomizer had occurred, discoloration of the liquid contained in thereservoir (the e-liquid), after use in an aerosol provision system wasobserved. As discussed in Examples 2 and 3 below, this correlated withelevated metal content in the aerosolizable material.

It was thus hypothesized that the contact of the metal components of theheater element—the gold plated and nickel plated brass electricalconnector and nickel contact, e.g. wire—with the e-liquid was forming agalvanic cell, thereby causing galvanic corrosion of the heating elementand releasing metal into the system. Corrosion was visually confirmed byan observation of cracks in the plating of the electrical connector.Quantitative confirmation was then obtained by carrying out an analysisof e-liquid with and without discoloration using ICP-MS. The results ofthis analysis are shown in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Quantitative Analysis of E-Liquid Using ICP-MS. ICP-MS of theliquid taken from No discoloration; Discoloration; the cartomizerreservoir μg/g μg/g Cu 2.4 31 Au <0.005 <0.005 Ni 0.25 2.6 Zn 0.16 21

It can be seen from these results that the discoloration of the e-liquidis attributable to an increase in copper, nickel and/or zinc content.Given that the heating element had nickel contacts andgold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors, it appears that thenickel surface of the contact and/or the nickel plating of theconnector, along with the brass surface of the connector are beingcorroded.

Example 2: Potential Difference Experiments

It is known in the art that galvanic corrosion occurs when twodissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of anelectrolyte. This contact forms a galvanic cell leading to H₂ formationon the more noble metal and the resulting electrochemical potential thendevelops an electric current that electrolytically dissolves the lessnoble material. To confirm that the corrosion observed in Example 1 wasgalvanic corrosion and to isolate the surfaces forming the galvaniccell, experiments were therefore conducted to measure the potentialdifference between the various components of the heating element. Thecombinations measured were:

-   -   (i) nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical        connector;    -   (ii) nickel contact vs. nickel contact;    -   (iii) gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector and nickel        contact vs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector and        nickel contact; and    -   (iv) gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector vs.        gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector.

Measurement of the potential difference was with a voltmeter.

The e-liquid was prepared by diluting commercially available e-liquidwith 15% water wt/wt. The e-liquid contained flavorant, 5% nicotine, and1 MeQ lactic acid.

To determine the potential difference between metal surfaces, each ofthe combinations (i) to (iv) were placed into the e-liquid and thepotential difference was measured with the voltmeter. The results areshown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Measurement of Potential Difference. Potential DifferenceCombination (mV ± 10 mV) (i) nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated 101brass electrical connector (ii) nickel contact vs. nickel contact 8(iii)gold/nickel plated brass electrical 25 connector and nickel contactvs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector and nickel contact(iv)gold/nickel plated brass electrical 2 connector vs. gold/nickelplated brass electrical connector

It can be seen from these values that the highest voltage in e-liquidwas recorded using the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector onone probe and nickel contact on the second probe. This suggests that theincreased copper, nickel and zinc content seen in Table I was due to agalvanic cell arising between the exposed nickel contact and the exposedbrass electrical connector surface. The lowest voltages were seen withthe nickel contact on both probes and the gold/nickel plated brasselectrical connectors on both probes, i.e. where the metal componentsare identical. This suggests that removing the gold/nickel plated brasselectrical connector from the cartomizer and replacing it with a nickelelectrical connector should reduce the risk of the galvanic cell effect.

Example 3: Dissolved Metal Content Testing

Example 3 involved the following aerosol generating elements, otherwisereferred to as heating elements:

-   Nickel/Copper/Zinc Heating Element: Wick Substrate-Heating    Substrate-Nickel Contacts-Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical    Connectors-   Nickel/Nickel Heating Element: Wick Substrate-Heating    Substrate-Nickel Contacts-Nickel Electrical Connectors-   Nickel/Gold Heating Element: Wick Substrate-Heating Substrate-Nickel    Contacts-Nickel/Au Plated Electrical Connectors

With reference to FIG. 1, all elements had a wick substrate 1, a heatingsubstrate 4, nickel legs or contacts 2, and either gold/nickel-platedbrass electrical connectors 3, nickel electrical connectors 3 ornickel/Au electrical connectors 3.

Three samples of each heating element were placed in bottles with 2 mlof e-liquid and the bottles gently shaken so that the liquid covered thenickel contacts and electrical connectors in their entirety. The bottlescontaining the heating element and e-liquid were then stored ataccelerated conditions of 40° C./75% RH for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Thee-liquid was the same as Example 2.

At each time point, the required samples were removed from storage,assessed visually for any discoloration, gently shaken to homogenize theliquid, and the liquid then sampled directly from the bottles. Thesamples of liquid were analyzed with ICP-MS for the presence of variousmetals. A liquid control, i.e. without any heating element, was alsoanalyzed. The ICP-MS results for the various metals tested were averagedand then normalized relative to the maximum measured value for thatparticular metal. FIGS. 2 to 5 are graphs showing the results for eachof the heating elements analyzed alongside the liquid control.

FIG. 2 shows the average dissolved nickel content for each of theheating elements and the liquid control relative to the maximum measuredvalue for nickel (set at 100.00). It can be seen that moving from thenickel/copper/zinc heating element to either the nickel/nickel ornickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved nickel in thee-liquid. This is an indication that galvanic corrosion is reduced andeven eliminated in the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. Thedifference between the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel heating elements issimply due to the higher level of nickel in the system. It is notevidence of an increase in galvanic corrosion.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show the average dissolved copper and zinccontent for each of the heating elements and the liquid control relativeto the maximum measured value for each metal (set at 100.00). As for thenickel content, it can be seen that moving from the nickel/copper/zincheating element to the nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating elementreduces the level of dissolved copper and zinc in the e-liquid. This isfurther evidence that galvanic corrosion is significantly reduced oreven eliminated in the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. Insummary, by replacing the electrical connector with a component that hasan exposable surface with a electrode potential which differs from thatof the electrical contact by 0 mV to about 35 mV, copper and zincdegradation is eliminated.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows the average dissolved gold content for each of theheating elements and the liquid control relative to the maximum measuredvalue for gold (set at 100.00) Compared to the nickel/copper/zincheating element, the average dissolved gold content can be seen todecrease with the nickel/nickel heating element and increase with thenickel/gold heating element.

On balance it can therefore be concluded that the use of metalcomponents for the aerosol generating element which have exposed and/orexposable surfaces whose potential difference is from 0 mV to about 35mV, where the surfaces are capable of simultaneously contacting theelectrically conductive aerosolizable material, reduces galvaniccorrosion in the aerosol provision system comprising the aerosolgenerating element. More particularly, when at least the electricalcontact and electrical connector of the aerosol generating element aremade of the same metal (e.g. nickel), galvanic corrosion is practicallyeliminated; notably the nickel, copper, zinc and gold levels in thee-liquid are significantly reduced compared to the current heatingelement.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments areprovided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages,embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or otheraspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on thescope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilizedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitablycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriatecombinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts,steps, means etc. other than those specifically described herein. Inaddition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future.

The aerosol provision system described herein can be implemented as acombustible aerosol provision system, or a non-combustible aerosolprovision system as defined hereinabove.

1. A housing for an aerosol provision system comprising: a reservoir foran electrically conductive aerosolizable material, wherein a potentialdifference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one ormore metal components which are contained in the housing, is from 0 mVto about 35 mV, wherein the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces arecapable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizablematerial.
 2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the one or more metalcomponents are part of an aerosol generating element.
 3. The housing ofclaim 1, wherein the aerosol generating element is integrated with thereservoir.
 4. The housing of claim 1, wherein at least one metalcomponent is a plated metal and the exposable surface of said componentis the metal underneath the plating material.
 5. The housing of claim 1,wherein the metal components in the housing are composed of a singlemetal or metal alloy.
 6. The housing of claim 5, wherein the metal isselected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, aluminumand titanium or wherein the metal alloy comprises nickel, stainlesssteel, aluminum or titanium.
 7. The housing of claim 1, wherein thepotential difference is from 0 mV to about 20 mV.
 8. The housing ofclaim 1, wherein the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is aliquid.
 9. The housing of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductiveaerosolizable material contains nicotine or a salt thereof.
 10. Acartomizer comprising the housing of claim 1, wherein the cartomizer isa closed or open system.
 11. A cartomizer for an aerosol provisionsystem comprising: a reservoir containing an electrically conductiveaerosolizable material, and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of oneor more metal components, wherein the two exposed and/or exposablesurfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with theelectrically conductive aerosolizable material, and wherein a change indissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizablematerial after storage of the cartomizer for about 1 to about 8 weeks atabout 40° C. is between 0 and about 20%.
 12. An aerosol provision systemcomprising the cartomizer of claim
 11. 13. Use of one or more metalcomponents in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic corrosion,wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces which aresimultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductiveaerosolizable material in the aerosol provision system, and saidsurfaces have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. 14.The use of claim 13, wherein the potential difference of the exposedand/or exposable surfaces is from 0 mV to about 20 mV.
 15. The use ofclaim 13, wherein the electrically conductive aerosolizable materialcomprises nicotine or a salt thereof.
 16. An aerosol provision systemcomprising the housing of claim
 1. 17. The housing of claim 2, whereinthe aerosol generating element is integrated with the reservoir.
 18. Thehousing of claim 17, wherein at least one metal component is a platedmetal and the exposable surface of said component is the metalunderneath the plating material.
 19. The housing of claim 18, whereinthe metal components in the housing are composed of a single metal or ametal alloy, wherein the single metal is selected from the groupconsisting of nickel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium, or whereinthe metal alloy comprises nickel, stainless steel, aluminum or titanium.20. The housing of claim 19, wherein the potential difference is from 0mV to about 20 mV.